Giants' Brown looking forward to having secondary mates back for Steelers

EAST RUTHERFORD — Antrel Rolle was back at Giants practice yesterday after being cleared by the doctors for the concussion he suffered early in Sunday’s win in Dallas.

Fellow safety Kenny Phillips was working out, too, as he tries to come back after suffering a sprained knee in the first quarter of the Week 4 game at the Eagles.

Stevie Brown was happy to see his veteran teammates working to regain their starting jobs — even if it does limit the time he may see in the middle of the Giants secondary Sunday against the Steelers and in future weeks as Big Blue tries to hold on to its NFC East lead.

Brown was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday for his contributions that helped the Giants outlast the Cowboys, 29-24. In addition to his two INTs Brown recovered a fumble and shared the team-lead with six solo tackles as the Giants won their fourth consecutive game.

He has become the biggest surprise for the G-Men over the first half of the season, but could be in jeopardy of losing some playing time when Phillips and Rolle return.

“He has played very well and has been where the ball is. That’s something that really has helped us,” said coach Tom Coughlin. “We’re now plus-13 (in turnovers) after eight games and I would hope that could continue, because it’s creating opportunities for us that are so difficult to get when it’s simply on your own.

“He’s been the guy who has been able to be on the spot and anticipate. He obviously has a very good knack for being wherever he is if we’re anticipating where the ball is going and arriving there very close,” added Coughlin. “He’s being recognized by all of us and has been a huge factor in our being able to win a few games in a row.”

Brown’s two INTs upped his season total to a team-high five and is the NFL’s second-highest total and two more than anyone else on the Giants. It’s also the most interceptions by a Giants safety since Percy Ellsworth had six in 1999.

Brown has at least one interception in four of the last six games. He is the second Giant with two INTs in a game this season, joining Rolle, who had two at the 49ers. Amazingly, in his first two NFL seasons — at Oakland and Indianapolis — Brown did not have an interception. He has added two fumble recoveries to his interception total, giving him an NFL-best seven takeaways.

“This has been everything I’ve been working for,” says Brown. “Even though I was on other teams I made different types of impacts, whether it was special teams-wise or getting a few snaps here and there. To actually contribute on defense as much as I have is definitely been the goal I’ve been working for since I’ve been in the league.”

Two of his biggest supporters have been the players he’s filled in for — Rolle and Phillips.

“(Rolle) is always like, ‘Good stuff. Keep it up.’ That’s all he says,” said Brown. “Kenny keeps telling me to do the same thing and was telling me I need to be a master of my craft in the post because I seem to be back there a lot.

“He just keeps telling me every week just to make sure on your stuff in the posts, your breaks. They’re both real supportive and both really happy for me,” added Brown, who admits he’s always had “a nose for the ball” ever since high school where he had 10 INTs in his sophomore season.

“My college stats (at Michigan) didn’t really show it, but even when I was in high school it’s how I started off getting recruited. It’s just something I’ve always been able to do.”

With the Giants those interceptions are coming on a much bigger stage.

“I didn’t really play much in Indy other than special teams, and that’s how it started off here. Since I’ve been in there I’ve been trying to make the most of my opportunities,” said Brown.

Phillips says watching his backup on the field he couldn’t understand why Dallas QB Tony Romo had underestimated his ability.

“I was trying to figure out why they couldn’t see him. Half of the time he would be sitting in the middle of the field and they would just throw the ball and he’s making them pay for it. He’s done a great job for us and has made a whole lot of plays,” Phillips said.

The question now is whether Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will return to the 3-safety alignment he used with success last season once Phillips and Rolle are 100% again.

“I think he shows that he’s capable of making plays for us and he’s reliable,” added Phillips. “He’s not going to harm us in any way, so I think Coach Perry will definitely have some three-safety packages he’ll like to put back in.”

Fewell confirmed yesterday he is ready to go with the three-safety system.

“We’ll find a way,” Fewell said. “All of them are good players. It’s a good problem to have that Kenny is back. Brown’s been playing really well. It’s hard to unseat him right now. We’ll find a way for Kenny to get on the field. Because Stevie’s emerged and come on like this, it gives me more ideas to have the three-safety package.

“Stevie has had an outstanding run here,” Coughlin pointed out “My position has always been the more outstanding players, the better. So we’ll find ways to involve all of them. We look forward to the addition of another outstanding player.”

“Stevie has done what he was supposed to do. He took advantage of an opportunity,” said Phillips. “It’s rare a guy loses his position to an injury, but it’s possible with the way he’s playing. I’m not worried about it. Whatever role they give me, I’ll take it. If I have to backup my backup, I’ll do it.”